Study on geological controls and enrichment models of coalbed methane in the Wuwei Basin in eastern North Qilian, northwestern China

Abstract

The Wuwei Basin is located in the Gansu Corridor, which has abundant coalbed methane resources of 2.75 × 10 11 m 3 . However, a low degree of coalbed methane exploration exists, and only a few wells have been drilled in local regions due to insufficient understanding of coalbed methane enrichment and its main controlling factors. This study analyzed the controlling factors of coalbed methane enrichment, including coal reservoir characteristics, hydrogeological conditions, and the original sedimentary environment of the coal-bearing strata. The results showed that the main coal seams were developed in the Taiyuan Formation, and were mostly concentrated in the Yingpan Sag in the south and the Ermahu Sag in the north of the study area. The macrolithotype of the coals in this basin was mainly semi-bright coal with a medium to high rank. Coal macerals were mainly vitrinite, ranging between 65.1% and 91.6% (averaged 81.70%), followed by liptinite, ranging between 1.9% and 29.5% (averaged 8.82%), and inertinite, ranging between 0.2% and 16.5% (averaged 3.66%). Mineral contents varied from 2.5% to 15.1% (averaged 6.16%). The macrolithotype and microlithotype of the Taiyuan Formation coals were favorable for coalbed methane formation. Through comparative analysis of moisture content, ash yield, gas content, and coal-forming sedimentary environments, it was found that the coal formed in the lagoon environment had a higher gas content and lower ash yield than that of the coal formed in the tidal flat environment. The high contents of total dissolved solids in aquifers around coal seams (1.75–16.70 g/L) reflected the closed hydrodynamic environment and were favorable for the preservation of coalbed methane in the Yingpan Sag. Considering various controlling factors (i.e., structure, sedimentation and hydrogeology), three coalbed methane enrichment models were proposed. The model of coalbed methane enrichment in the synclinorium was the most favorable for the enrichment of coalbed methane in the Yingpan Sag.